Member Reviews

This is, without a doubt, the best graphic novel I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It was sharp, intelligent, horrifying and graphic. The phrase "I couldn't put it down" hardly does it justice. I'm a sucker for any media which doesn't pander to an audience; books that presume the audience is intelligent, rather than treating us like spoon to mouth consumers. Ruminating on the implications of Daniels work is going to be my favorite part of finishing the novel--the thought experiment carries on.

Hank and Molly are undergoing a very dangerous procedure to cleanse their cells. A scientific breakthrough makes it possible for their youth to be reintroduced, the longevity of their already long-lived lives to renew, with ever improving mental faculties and physical abilities. What would you be if you had more time to live, were as fit as any athlete, and could remember every memory in your personal history like it happened yesterday?

Like all brave experiments, this one goes awry. Kenny, the sheepish scientist in charge of the transformation, leaves out one particularly important aspect of the rejuvenation process: Hank and Molly's bodies aren't the ones renewing. They're being cloned. As the experiment continues, only one set of Hank and Molly can survive, but which will it be?

So.Much. Humanity. In such a small volume. I wish that there was more already, and yet the story completes itself to a perfect crescendo. You won't believe how engrossed you can be in a graphic novel until you read this.

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This book deals with a lot of the moral issues of cloning. I found it very disturbing in a good way. It's a fresh take on a classic science fiction trope.

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This hooked me until I finished it. A brilliant story that raises important questions and clothes them in characters you’ll never forget.

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Interesting and clever strory kept me hooked. On the other hand, I didn't really like the art in this graphic novel. It feels a bit off to me and significantly decreased my enjoyment of the story.

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An interesting graphic novel. Not really my type or art style, but I'll recommend it to patrons who would like it.

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Upgrade Soul is a thought-provoking and delightfully disturbing graphic novel. As someone who considers themselves a science fiction layman, I'm always on the lookout for unique premises to grab my attention. This dark story did just that, and more.

Elderly couple Hank and Molly opt to participate in an experimental treatment that promises renewed youth and health. There's no going back, but what could go wrong? Lots of things, it turns out! Upgrade Soul doesn't shy from tackling the big stuff. How do our minds and bodies define us? What happens when they're separated? If you enjoy Black Mirror, you will feel the same thrill reading this thoughtful and complex story.

Daniels approaches these topics with detailed and muted artwork that sets the tone. And look at that cover! There's a certain joy in seeing philosophically intricate ideas captured in illustration. Upgrade Soul is a reminder that there is a lot of humanity to be explored in this medium. I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.

I received my copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley, Lion Forge, and Diamond Book Distributers.

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Beautifully illustrated graphic novel of the story of the story of Hank and Molly. Hank and Molly are an older couple who have been married a long time. They decide to get rejuvenated so they could be young again. As with any experiment, it could go wrong. They turn out looking more like a potato, but their clones get smarter. The sad part is that they can never go back after once it is done. I enjoyed reading it very much. Different but wonderful. I received this book from Net Galley and Diamond Book Distributors for an honest review and no compensation otherwise.

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What is life? What is a soul? What is a clone?

All of these questions and more are asked in this book about a couple trying to gain another go-round on the wheel of life, by having their souls put into new bodies, that in theory, will be better, younger, and stronger than their current ones.

However, it doesn't quite work out that way.

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Not only do their new bodies not grow the way they are supposed to, but their old bodies are still alive and kicking.
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Very disturbing graphic novel on the nature of what makes you, well, you. Both the clone as the original want their lives. Who deserves it? And is it ok to get a new life, in a body that is considered hideous?

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

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Daniel's graphic novel, "Upgrade Soul" uses beautiful graphics and dialogue to create an engaging story that's hard not to talk about.

This story features an elderly couple, Molly and Hank, who undergo a advanced, untested procedure to get new, younger bodies. However, they soon learn that the whole operation is not what it seems. It begs the question, if our consciousness was a collection of our thoughts, memories, and experiences, can we just "upload" them into a new body? If we do, are we who we were before?

I loved how the story cuts back and form between the past and present time. The structure not only gives the reader a thorough background of why Molly and Hank decided on undergoing this risky procedure, but also that this whole situation could've been avoided. It made me want to reach over, pat them on the back and tell them that everything just looks greener on the other side.

It was very refreshing to have such a straightforward path through this story. Daniels does a great job presenting a difficult and complicated idea in a easy to understand form, and I appreciated the fact that I didn't have to think too hard while I was reading. I was able to enjoy the ride, and reflect on it myself afterwards.

In all, this novel was a solid 5-star read, and I'd love to see more of Daniel's work in the future.

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Upgrade Soul is a thought-provoking new graphic novel about the nature of humanity and the dangers of technology.

Hank and Molly are rich and elderly. They decide to do an experimental medical treatment that promises to make them young and healthy again. Problems occur. Ethical questions arise. What does it mean to be human? Is it the mind or the body that defines humanity? What is the impact of the changes brought on by aging? The unexpected turns of the plot are the best part of Upgrade Soul. To avoid spoilers, I won’t say more.

Wow, I adored this philosophical graphic novel! It makes the reader think about many profound issues that resonate long after the novel is finished. It also won a Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity in Comics. Upgrade Soul is highly recommended. 5 stars!

Thanks to the publisher, Lion Forge, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

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